School life
Chaplaincy and spiritual support
Our Christian ethos runs through all we do. We are a proudly Christian school that values the uniqueness of each individual made in the image of God. Our GLORIFY values of growth, leadership, opportunity, resilience, inclusivity, faithfulness and you are loved are at the heart of Saint Cecilia’s - firmly rooted in our school ethos.
Chaplaincy and spiritual support
We have a full-time Chaplain, Sanique Douglas (see below for more details), reflecting the high value we place on Chaplaincy at Saint Cecilia’s. The chaplaincy programme includes assemblies, daily Collective Worship and regular parents’ and staff prayer meetings in school . We also have an inviting Chapel for voluntary services, private prayer and reflection. Mentor meetings incorporate Christian reflection, meditation and prayer.
Our Worship in the Community events celebrate key dates in the Christian calendar. Pupils visit local churches to learn about them and experience a Communion Service. Pupils also attend two retreats organised by our Chaplain to promote team spirit and encourage reflection on differences. The first retreat, for new Year 7s, helps them absorb what the school offers, build relationships with Mentors and meet classmates. In Year 9, pupils reflect on their journey, review goals, and focus on future plans, which supports their GCSE subject choices.
The Christian Union is a vibrant part of our school. This weekly after-school club is open to all pupils, Christian and non-Christian, and includes sessions led by local youth leaders. Beyond Christian Union, we also hold weekly Bible and Breakfast Club, Chapel Games Clubs and Everyday Youth Club. In our Sixth Form, students help lead Christian Union, have their own bible study group and lead worship gatherings.
Our Faith Committee, which includes members of the Leadership Team, key staff and Governors, ensures the Christian ethos drives all aspects of school life. The group also supports the delivery of high standards in spiritual, moral, social and cultural development through PSHE, RS curricula, Chaplaincy and school events.
We have developed and transformed our Chapel space as a discussion and debate zone where pupils and students can ask questions, pray, seek counselling and support on a range of concerns and challenges. The Chaplaincy programme also brings our wider school community together through parent prayers and events, staff prayers and support and Worship in the Community.
The Diocese of Southwark supports 106 Church of England schools (including our own) and universities across South London and Surrey. The Southwark Diocesan Board of Education (SDBE) provides expert advice to help schools, colleges and universities develop Church of England education and deepen understanding of the Christian Gospel. For more information about the SDBE, please click here to access their website.
Our Chaplain - Sanique Douglas
Sanique Douglas joined Saint Cecilia’s in September 2025. Sanique moved to the UK from Jamaica at age 12. Though raised in a Christian home, she made a personal decision to surrender her life to Jesus in her late twenties, which led her to pursue a three-year Diploma in Biblical Studies at Bible College. After qualifying as a drama teacher, she immediately recognised her calling to young people and has since dedicated her life to serving young people through education and ministry. Now a qualified School Chaplain, Sanique combines her love for education, creativity and spiritual care to support and inspire students in both their personal development and faith journeys.
Sanique leads a programme we call Restorative Practice. If there has been conflict between pupils or students, Sanique will bring parties together to help restore relationships. Pupils and students leave her sessions having had the chance to explain how they feel and apologise, clear the air and move forwards. This is now a well-known and well-respected practice at our School which is an extremely effective part of our Behaviour Policy.
Links to our Collection Worship booklets:
Autumn Term 2 2025
Autumn Term 1 2025
Religious Studies
Religious Studies is an important and valued subject and all our pupils take Religious Studies to GCSE level. A unique academic subject, it provokes challenging questions about the ultimate meaning and purpose of life, allows learners to explore beliefs about God, the self and the nature of reality. It develops pupils’ knowledge and understanding of Christianity, other principal religions and worldviews, whilst also offering opportunities for personal reflection and spiritual development. Students can continue to study religious, philosophical and ethical issues and theories in the Philosophy and Ethics A Level.
For an overview of our Religious Studies curriculum, click here.
“I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full.”
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